Yukon Style Summer Solstice or Touch of Winter

Sky High Wilderness Ranch is your chance to get out and experience the beautiful wilderness that is the Yukon! There’s no better way to ease the stresses of everyday than to switch off those mobile phones and soak in natures beauty. We have limited cell service, so put an ‘out of office’ reply on your emails and forward your phone to voicemail, you’re going to spend some time getting down and dirty with nature! Our Ranch is located on the shores of Fish Lake and is surrounded by majestic mountains that are waiting to be explored by you atop your trusted horse. We have a range of accommodation to choose from; all come equipped with 5 star outhouses! All of our appliances and lights are run off propane and our buildings are heated by a cozy wood stove. We haul water in from town. This is the genuine Yukon Ranch experience, complete with rustic home cooked meals.

You will be picked up by our van from Whitehorse and taken to do some shopping for items that you may need for your tour. Once at the ranch, settle into your cozy cabin and then you will be shown around as you get a feel for the rich history of Sky High Wilderness Ranch and Fish Lake area.

Summer: We introduce you to the horses and give you instruction on how to care for and saddle them. Have lunch in the main Lodge. Depending on the weather and time of the day we saddle up the horses and go for a short first ride. After taking care of the horses we enjoy a hearty evening meal around a campfire. Overnight at Sky High Ranch (L, D)

Winter: We outfit you with your expedition clothing. Enjoy a light lunch and then be introduced to your 4-legged companions for the tour. Now you learn the basics of; dog care, checking their feet and shoulders, dog massage, sledding and parts of the sled. Harness your team, hook up and go for your very first run! After taking care of the dogs you can enjoy the sauna, have a hot dinner and cozy up by the fire.(L,D)

We point out, that unpredictable circumstances such as weather conditions, extreme temperatures or illness of the horses or dogs may force us to change this itinerary. The Safety and well being of our guests and animals takes precedence and our decisions are final.

Summer: We feed the horses, have our breakfast and saddle them up at around 11 a.m. Today is the day you will learn to know your horse and start to form a relationship that only man and horse can understand. With every stop, and praise for the horse, they learn to trust you and you to trust them. Take in the pristine landscapes as we ride the ridge overlooking Bonneville Lakes and the Fish Lake Valley. Have your camera ready! Here we stop for a peaceful lunch. Overnight at Sky High Ranch (B, L, D)

We point out, that unpredictable circumstances such as weather conditions, extreme temperatures or illness of the horses may force us to change this itinerary. The Safety and well being of our guests and animals takes precedence and our decisions are final.

Winter: While the morning sun lifts slowly over the magnificent horizon, we say good morning to our new canine friends and ensure they are fed, watered and happy. Then we sit in the comfort of our lodge dining room having breakfast and plan our day. Today we cover approx 35km in distance driving towards secluded Jackson Lake. The only sound will be the runners in the snow, the working dogs, and your words of encouragement. This is the day that you begin to know each dog’s personality and form a bond that only man and dog can understand. With every stop, praise and show of affection for your dogs, they will learn to trust you and you to trust them. Relax in our sod roof sauna before retiring for the night. Overnight at Sky High Wilderness Ranch and enjoy an evening of unguided snowshoe and Aurora viewing. (B,L,D)

This Dog sledding adventure is a challenging but relaxed fun trip! We supply you with the best equipment possible and teach you all the important aspects of mushing. To participate, you must be healthy, enjoy working with dogs and have a good team spirit. Dog sledding is a comparable physical activity to cross-country skiing, so you should be in relatively good physical shape.

We point out, that unforeseeable circumstances such as weather conditions, wind chill factor, extreme temperatures (-30 or lower), condition of the group or illness of the dogs may force us to change this itinerary. The safety of our guests takes precedence and our decisions are final.

Summer: Wake early and try to catch a glimpse of a Yukon summer sunrise, which in June is about the same time as the sunsets – so good luck! We get the horses ready this morning for one more trail ride. Take this time to reminisce about your adventure and again keep your cameras ready for unpredictable wild life sightings.

Once we get back to the Ranch we will unload the horses and brush them down one last time. Now is the time to say good bye to your guide and your new horse friends.

In the afternoon you are driven back to Whitehorse where you will enjoy your last night in the Best Western Gold Rush Inn. (B, L)

Winter: This day takes us towards beautiful Bonneville Lakes, west of the ranch. The trails are narrower here with some challenging ups and downs. The scenery is breathtaking and the coastal mountains are always in view to the south and west. Part of the trip we are above tree line and easily cover 20-30km. A breath of new life will creep slowly into your soul and in harmony with the running rhythm of your team you will enjoy nature like you have never experienced it before. Take it all in and these memories will go with you as you continue your journey home.

In the afternoon you are driven back to Whitehorse where you will enjoy your last night in the Best Western Gold Rush Inn and receive your musher’s diploma  (B, L)

Check out of your hotel accommodation and make your way to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination.

Want to extend your stay in Whitehorse? Just ask and we can book extra nights of accommodation for you.

Winter Aurora Programs – recommended packing list:

• Thermal Underwear- 2 long
  sleeve shirts and 2 pants
• Fleece Pants and Sweater
• Neck Warmer and Balaclava
• Fleece Hat (Toque) or Fur hat
• Thermal Socks – 4 pairs
• Gloves
• Head Lamp, With lithium
  batteries
• Camera
• Indoor shoes or slippers